On Thursday, November 13, thousands of mechanics at Boeing’s Midwest assembly plant, responsible for military aircraft and weapons, voted to approve a new contract, ending a three-month strike. Prior to this, they had rejected four contract proposals from the company.
Representing 3,200 workers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced that the new five-year labor agreement includes a 24% wage increase during the contract period, as well as a $6,000 signing bonus.
In a statement, the union expressed pride in the collective efforts of its members and readiness to resume work in constructing the world’s most advanced military aircraft.
The mechanics will return to work on Sunday at manufacturing plants in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, as well as Mascoutah, Illinois, where they produce fighter jets, weapon systems, and the US Navy’s first carrier-based unmanned aircraft.
Boeing stated in a release that it looks forward to the new contract “reuniting the entire team.”
Union leaders identified wage and retirement benefits as the key points of contention in the failed negotiations, with Boeing arguing that the workers’ demands exceeded the cost of living in the Midwest region. Following the breakdown of negotiations, a congressional labor group wrote to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg urging the company to return to the negotiating table.
The letter stated, “Workers at Boeing Defense play a vital role in producing aircraft and other defense equipment critical to the US government and our military personnel. Their success is integral to your company, and they deserve a fair contract to reflect their hard work and sacrifices.”
Tensions between the two sides had escalated before the strike. Workers had rejected a proposal by Boeing for a 20% pay raise during the contract period and a $5,000 ratification bonus. Boeing then offered a plan to maintain the original wage increase but eliminate scheduling provisions limiting overtime opportunities. The workers rejected this proposal as well, initiating the strike the following morning, and subsequently turning down two additional proposals from the company.
After these failed votes, the union drafted a four-year contract which quickly received approval from its members. The union broke from traditional negotiation practices by sending this pre-approved contract to Boeing for review, but the company rejected the terms.
(Adapted from the report by the Associated Press)